Master of Professional Science
Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management
The Master of Professional Science Degree in Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management provides students with advanced training in the theoretical aspects of tropical marine ecology, as well as the practical aspects needed to begin a career in this field. Theory focuses on nearshore, benthic ecosystems common to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide (coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves) and emphasizes threats facing these ecosystems. Practical aspects of the course include field methods and techniques, taxonomy and identification of common vertebrates, invertebrates, algae and marine plants, GIS and remote sensing of shallow water marine environments, scientific diving (through the American Academy of Underwater Sciences), and small boat handling (through the Department of the Interior’s Motorboat Operator Certification Course). This degree is excellent preparation for technical positions in marine conservation and management and marine ecosystem science at one of a number of state and federal agencies, institutions, and NGOs.
Sample Curriculum
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
| Tropical Marine Ecology (MBF 515) | Tropical Marine Ecology (MBF 515) |
| Research Diving (and Boat Handling) (RSM 500 and RSM 572) | Introduction to Marine GIS (MAF 560) |
| Statistics for Environmental Management (RSM 512) OR Biometrics in Marine Science (MBF 508) | Field Techniques and Instrumentation in Tropical Marine Ecology (MBF 521) |
| Diseases of Marine Organisms (MBF 576)/Or ELECTIVE | Coastal Zone Management (MAF 518)/Or ELECTIVE |
Other Electives:
Advanced Biology of Marine Invertebrates (BIL 523)
Advanced Biometrics in Marine Science (MBF 615)
Advanced Fieldwork in Coastal Cultures (MAF 506)
Bayesian Statistics (MBF 672)
Biological Oceanography (MBF 604)
Biology and Ecology of Mangroves (MBF 513)
Biometrics in Marine Science (MBF 508)
Coastal Law and Policy (MAF 620)
Ecology and Physiology of Coral Reef Systems (MBF 518)
Economics of Natural Resources (MAF 502)
Environmental Geology (MGG 533)
Environmental Hydrology (MGG 515)
Environmental Law (MAF 520)
Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement (MAF 510)
Estuary Dynamics (AMP 675)
Evolutionary Genetics (MBF 578)
Field Techniques in Prehistoric Underwater Archaeological Excavation (MAF 514)
Fieldwork in Coastal Management (MAF 504)
Fieldwork in Coastal Cultures (MAF 505)
Fisheries Socioeconomics and Management (MAF 525)
Geological and Environmental Remote Sensing (MGG 580)
Global Environment and Politics (POL 531)
International Ocean Law (MAF 610)
Introduction to Underwater Acoustics (AMP 535)
Marine Cultural Resource Management (MAF 526)
Marine Population Dynamics (MBF 690)
Ocean Policy, Development, and Analysis (MAF 516)
Physical Environment of Marine Organisms (MBF 610)
Physiological and Biochemical Adaptations of Marine Organisms (MBF 633)
Plankton (MBF 531)
Political Ecology of Marine Management (MAF 501)
Population Modeling and Management (MBF 614)
Spatial Analysis - Intermediate Course in Marine GIS (MAF 562)
Sustainable Fisheries – Assessment and Conservation (MBF 590)
Sustainable Fisheries – Advanced Acoustic Surveying (MBF 690)
Tropical Marine Biology – A Field Course (MBF 514)
